Monitoring apparatus and system

ABSTRACT

A monitoring system and associated methodology for response to incidents sensed by at least one sensor of an individual signal unit includes transmission to a central control facility by the individual signal unit, of at least a unique identifying code for that individual signal unit, over a communication network; the response includes a transmission of data from said central control facility to one or more recipients nominated by a registered owner of the individual signal unit wherein registration of the individual signal unit and configuration of sensing and of said response is via a web-based interface.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application relates to and claims the benefit of priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/846,531 filed Mar. 18, 2013, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/373,506 filedJan. 12, 2009, which is a 371 nationalization of PCT/AU2007/000958 filedJul. 12, 2017, all which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to error and incident reporting apparatusand systems and, more particularly, to a system adapted to monitoringand acting upon status signals emanating from widely diverse andgeographically separated installations.

BACKGROUND

The efficient functioning of modern societies relies on innumerablediscrete items of infrastructure. In many cases, particularly where suchitems are located in remote or difficult to reach or monitor locations,a malfunction or adverse incident may remain undetected for considerablelengths of time causing inconvenience, economic loss or even potentiallyhazardous situations.

Regular inspection of many such items of infrastructure in remote areas,for example irrigation sluices, gates, stock watering troughs etc isusually impractical. Similar impracticality or prohibitive expense isassociated with the monitoring for example of such items as tool shedsat building sites, tool boxes on trucks, and equipment and plantremaining on construction sites etc.

The need for monitoring is of course not restricted to remote areas.Security and status of equipment, buildings and vehicles and the like isimportant everywhere. However, setting up a monitoring system isfrequently a complicated procedure, often involving complex wiring ofhardware installations, site visits by professional personnel.

It is an object of the present invention to address or at leastameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

Note

-   1. The term “comprising” (and grammatical variations thereof) is    used in this specification in the inclusive sense of “having” or    “including”, and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting only of”.-   2. The terms “owner”, “user”, “registered user” are used    interchangeably in this specification for any person authorised to    predefine the steps to be executed in response to a signal from an    individual signal unit (ISU).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention, there is provided aninfrastructure monitoring system; said apparatus including a pluralityof geographically disparate individual signal units in communicationwith a central control facility via at least one communicationsatellite; said individual signal units adapted to change from a firststand-by state to a second powered up state on the occurrence of achange of status of an item of said infrastructure; each device of saidindividual signal units transmitting a signal to said central controlfacility during said powered up state; said signal triggering aprogrammed predefined sequence of responses; each said device returningto said stand-by state after transmission of a said signal.

Preferably, each of said individual signal units is provided with aunique signal unit identification code; said unique identification codecomprising said signal transmitted to said central control facility.

Preferably, each of said individual signal units is provided with asignal transceiver module.

Preferably, each of said individual signal units is provided with arechargeable power supply.

Preferably, said rechargeable power supply is recharged by a solar cellarray.

Preferably, each said individual signal units is provided with at leastone external event sensor.

Preferably, said at least one external event sensor is adapted torespond to a change in status of a said item of infrastructure.

Preferably, a said individual signal unit receives an input signal fromsaid at least one external event sensor at said change of status.

Preferably, each said at least one external event sensor is associatedwith a unique sequence of repeat transmissions of said uniqueidentification code; said unique sequence of repeat transmissionscomprising said signal transmitted to said central control facility.

Preferably, each of said individual signal units is provided with anexternal event sensor interface adapted to monitor signals from at leastone remote external event sensor.

Preferably, each of said individual signal units is provided with tampermonitoring means; said tamper monitoring means associated with one saidunique sequence of repeat transmissions of said unique identificationcode.

Preferably, said central control facility includes a transceiver modulein communication with said at least one satellite.

Preferably, said transceiver module is linked to server and data storagedevices; said server and data storage devices adapted to process signalsreceived from any one of said individual signal units.

Preferably, said server and data storage devices are adapted to initiateany of a plurality of pre-programmed outputs; said outputs dependent onsaid unique identification code and said unique sequence of repeattransmissions of said unique identification code comprising a receivedsaid signal.

Preferably, said server and data storage devices are adapted to initiatecoded data for transmission to said individual signal units.

Preferably, said coded data transmitted to a said individual signal unitincludes instructions for programmed responses by a said individualsignal unit to inputs received from said one or more external eventsensors.

Preferably, a said individual signal unit is provided with at least oneoutput relay; said at least one output relay adapted to control anexternal device.

Preferably, said server and data storage devices are adapted to initiatepredetermined communications to at least one nominated recipient; saidcommunications dependent on signals received from a said individualsignal unit.

Preferably, said at least one nominated recipient is a registered userof said monitoring system.

Preferably, said at least one nominated recipient is a service providerto said monitoring system.

Preferably, a said registered user of said monitoring system is enabledto register a said individual signal unit with said central controlfacility over the Internet.

Preferably, registration of said individual signal unit includesprovision of data relevant to responses to external sensor events bysaid individual signal unit and by said central control facility.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method formonitoring the status of at least one aspect of geographically disparateitems of infrastructure; said method including the steps of:

-   -   (a) installing an individual signal unit at each of said items        of infrastructure,    -   (b) providing said individual signal unit with at least one        external event sensor and a signal transceiver,    -   (c) linking said individual signal unit with a central control        facility via a satellite link,    -   (d) providing said central control facility with server and data        storage devices; said devices adapted to execute pre-programmed        responses to a signal received from a said individual signalling        device.

Preferably, each said individual signal unit includes;

-   -   (a) a transceiver module,    -   (b) a rechargeable power supply and power control module,    -   (c) a logic circuit,    -   (d) at least one external event sensor.

Preferably, said method includes the further steps of:

-   -   (a) providing each said individual signal unit with a unique        individual signal unit identification code,    -   (b) associating a unique sequence of repeat transmission of said        identification code for each said external event sensor,    -   (c) programming said individual signal unit to transmit a signal        comprising said unique sequence of repeat transmission        identification code of said individual signal unit to said        central control facility on the occurrence of a change of said        status of a said item of infrastructure,    -   (d) executing said pre-programmed responses to a signal received        from a said individual signalling device.

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is providedan apparatus and monitoring system for response to incidents sensed byat least one sensor of an individual signal unit; said responsecomprising in a first instance, transmission to a central controlfacility by a said individual signal unit, of at least a uniqueidentifying code for that individual signal unit, over a communicationnetwork; said response comprising in a second instance, transmission ofdata from said central control facility to one or more recipientsnominated by a registered owner of said individual signal unit; andwherein registration of a said individual signal unit and configurationof sensing and of said response is via a web-based interface.

Preferably, said response in said first instance includes digital oranalogue data input to said individual signal unit.

Preferably, said digital or analogue data is transmitted to said centralcontrol facility in real time.

Preferably, said digital or analogue data is stored, prior transmission,on a data storage device of said individual signal unit.

Preferably, said at least one sensor is incorporated within saidindividual signal unit.

Preferably, said at least one sensor is an external sensor connected toan input port of said individual signal unit.

Preferably, said individual signal unit further includes a rechargeablepower supply.

Preferably, said rechargeable power supply is recharged by a solar cellarray.

Preferably, said web-based interface includes at least one web page;said web page provided with at least one data entry field.

Preferably, each of said individual signal units is provided with aunique individual signal unit identification code; said uniqueidentification code comprising said signal transmitted to said centralcontrol facility.

Preferably, each said at least one external event sensor is associatedwith a unique sequence of repeat transmissions of said uniqueidentification code; said unique sequence of repeat transmissionscomprising said signal transmitted to said central control facility.

Preferably, of each said individual signal units is provided with atleast one external event sensor.

Preferably, said at least one external event sensor is adapted torespond to a change in stimulus of said sensor.

Preferably, said at least one external event sensor is adapted torespond to a predefined stimulus.

Preferably, a said individual signal unit receives an input signal fromsaid at least one external event sensor at said change in stimulus.

Preferably, said central control facility includes a transceiver modulein communication with said communication network.

Preferably, said transceiver module is linked to server and data storagedevices; said server and data storage devices adapted to process signalsreceived from any one of said individual signal units.

Preferably, said server and data storage devices are adapted to initiateat least one pre-programmed output-a; said output or outputs dependenton said unique identification code

Preferably, a said individual signal unit is provided with at least oneinput; said at least one input adapted to communicate with one saidsensor.

Preferably, a said individual signal unit is provided with at least oneoutput; said at least one output adapted to control an external device.

Preferably, said server and data storage devices are adapted to initiatepredetermined communications to at least one nominated recipient; saidcommunications dependent on a signal received from a said individualsignal unit.

Preferably, said at least one nominated recipient is an owner of a saidindividual signal unit registered with said monitoring system.

Preferably, said at least one nominated recipient is a service providernominated by said owner of a said individual signal unit.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided anindividual signal unit; each said individual signal unit including;

-   -   (a) a transceiver module,    -   (b) a rechargeable power supply and power control module,    -   (c) a logic circuit,    -   (d) at least one external event sensor,    -   and wherein a signal from a said individual signal unit to a        central control facility causes said central control facility to        execute a number of predefined steps; said predefined steps        configured by an owner of said individual signal unit.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a monitoringsystem; said apparatus comprising an individual signal unit and at leastone owner selectable sensor connected to said individual signal unit;said individual signal unit and said at least one sensor registered bysaid user with a central control facility; wherein said individualsignal unit is programmed to transmit a unique device identificationcode to said central control facility when said at least one sensordetects an incident; said central control facility responding to atransmitted said unique device identification code according toprotocols established at registration of said unit by said owner.

In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided amonitoring system enabled by the internet and a communication system;said system including a number of individual signal units; each of saiddevices connected to at least one owner selectable sensor; each of saidindividual signal units and said at least one sensor registered with acentral control facility by said owner over said internet; said centralcontrol facility responding to an incident sensed by a said sensoraccording to protocols established at registration by a said owner.

In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a methodof monitoring the status of an item of interest; said method includingthe steps of:

-   -   (a) purchase by an owner of an individual signal unit and at        least one user selectable sensor for connection to said device,    -   (b) registering said individual signal unit and said at least        one sensor with a central control facility,    -   (c) configuring a response executable by said central control        facility on receipt by said facility of a signal transmitted by        said individual signal unit.

Preferably, said signal comprises a unique identifying code of saidindividual signal unit.

Preferably, said registering of a said individual signal unit includesthe steps of:

-   -   (d) accessing a web site maintained by said central control        facility,    -   (e) establishing a user name and password with said central        control facility,    -   (f) entering into said web site a registration code of said        individual signal unit,    -   (g) entering a user selected identifier name for said individual        signal unit,    -   (h) entering details of one or more sensors to be connected to        said individual signal unit,    -   (i) entering details of said response executable by said central        control facility.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method formonitoring the status of at least one aspect of geographically disparateitems of infrastructure; said method including the steps of:

-   -   (a) installing an individual signal unit at each of said items        of infrastructure,    -   (b) providing said individual signal unit with at least one        external event sensor and a signal transceiver,    -   (c) linking said individual signal unit with a central control        facility via a communication network,    -   (d) providing said central control facility with server and data        storage devices; said devices adapted to execute pre-programmed        responses to a signal received from a said individual signalling        device.

In still another broad form of the invention, there is providedapparatus of an infrastructure monitoring system; said apparatusincluding a plurality of geographically disparate individual signallingdevices in communication with a central control facility via at leastone communication satellite; said individual signalling devices adaptedto change from a first stand-by state to a second powered up state onthe occurrence of a change of status of an item of said infrastructure;each device of said individual signalling devices transmitting a signalto said central control facility during said powered up state; saidsignal triggering a programmed predefined sequence of responses; eachsaid device returning to said stand-by state after transmission of asaid signal.

Preferably, each of said individual signalling devices is provided witha unique signalling device identification code; said uniqueidentification code comprising said signal transmitted to said centralcontrol facility.

Preferably, each of said individual signalling devices is provided witha signal transceiver module.

Preferably, each of said individual signalling devices is provided witha rechargeable power supply.

Preferably, said rechargeable power supply is recharged by a solar cellarray.

Preferably, each said individual signalling devices is provided with atleast one external event sensor.

Preferably, said at least one external event sensor is adapted torespond to a change in status of a said item of infrastructure.

Preferably, a said individual signalling device receives an input signalfrom said at least one external event sensor at said change of status.

Preferably, each said at least one external event sensor is associatedwith a unique sequence of repeat transmissions of said uniqueidentification code; said unique sequence of repeat transmissionscomprising said signal transmitted to said central control facility.

Preferably, each of said individual signalling devices is provided withan external event sensor interface adapted to monitor signals from atleast one remote external event sensor.

Preferably, each of said individual signalling devices is provided withtamper monitoring means; said tamper monitoring means associated withone said unique sequence of repeat transmissions of said uniqueidentification code.

Preferably, said central control facility includes a transceiver modulein communication with said at least one satellite.

Preferably, said transceiver module is linked to server and data storagedevices; said server and data storage devices adapted to process signalsreceived from any one of said individual signalling devices.

Preferably, said server and data storage devices are adapted to initiateany of a plurality of pre-programmed outputs; said outputs dependent onsaid unique identification code and said unique sequence of repeattransmissions of said unique identification code comprising a receivedsaid signal.

Preferably, said server and data storage devices are adapted to initiatecoded data for transmission to said individual signalling devices.

Preferably, said coded data transmitted to a said individual signallingdevice includes instructions for programmed responses by a saidindividual signalling device to inputs received from said one or moreexternal event sensors.

Preferably, a said individual signalling device is provided with atleast one output relay; said at least one output relay adapted tocontrol an external device.

Preferably, said server and data storage devices are adapted to initiatepredetermined communications to at least one nominated recipient; saidcommunications dependent on signals received from a said individualsignalling device.

Preferably, said at least one nominated recipient is a registered userof said monitoring system.

Preferably, said at least one nominated recipient is a service providerto said monitoring system.

Preferably, a said registered user of said monitoring system is enabledto register a said individual signalling device with said centralcontrol facility over the Internet.

Preferably, registration of said individual signalling device includesprovision of data relevant to responses to external sensor events bysaid individual signalling device and by said central control facility.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method formonitoring the status of at least one aspect of geographically disparateitems of infrastructure; said method including the steps of:

-   -   (e) installing an individual signalling device at each of said        items of infrastructure,    -   (f) providing said individual signalling device with at least        one external event sensor and a signal transceiver,    -   (g) linking said individual signalling device with a central        control facility via a satellite link,    -   (h) providing said central control facility with server and data        storage devices; said devices adapted to execute pre-programmed        responses to a signal received from a said individual signalling        device.

Preferably, each said individual signalling device includes;

-   -   (e) a transceiver module,    -   (f) a rechargeable power supply and power control module,    -   (g) a logic circuit,    -   (h) at least one external event sensor.

Preferably, said method includes the further steps of:

-   -   (a) providing each said individual signalling device with a        unique signalling device identification code,    -   (b) associating a unique sequence of repeat transmission of said        identification code for each said external event sensor,    -   (c) programming said individual signalling device to transmit a        signal comprising said unique sequence of repeat transmission        identification code of said signalling device to said central        control facility on the occurrence of a change of said status of        a said item of infrastructure,    -   (d) executing said pre-programmed responses to a signal received        from a said individual signalling device.

In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided, anindividual signal unit; each said individual signal unit including;

-   -   (a) a transceiver module,    -   (b) a rechargeable power supply and power control module,    -   (c) a logic circuit,    -   (d) at least one of a number of selectable external event        sensors,        and wherein a signal from a said individual signal unit to a        central control facility causes said central control facility to        execute a number of predefined steps; said predefined steps        configured by an owner of said individual signal unit.

In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided amonitoring system including an individual signal unit; said individualsignal unit communicating with a central control facility when an eventsensor activates said individual signal unit; said central controlfacility executing a number of predefined steps on receipt of acommunication from said individual signal unit; said predefined stepsconfigured by an owner or registered user of said individual signalunit.

Preferably, a communication between said individual signal unit and saidcentral control facility is not limited by distance.

Preferably, said individual signal unit may be located at any locationrelative said central control facility.

Preferably, said individual signal unit is mobility independent of saidcentral control facility.

Preferably, said communication between said individual signal unit andsaid central control facility is by means of any communication network.

Preferably, said predefined steps include a communication between saidcentral control facility and a said owner or registered user of saidindividual signal unit.

Preferably, said communication between said central control facility andsaid owner or registered user is by means of any communication network.

Preferably, said predefined steps may include a first layer and asecondary layer of said predefined steps.

Preferably, selected ones of said secondary layer of predefined stepsmay be executed by said central control facility in accordance with areply to a said communication between said central control facility anda said owner or registered user.

Preferably, said individual signal unit is programmable.

Preferably, said individual signal unit includes a graphic display.

Preferably, said individual signal unit is configurable to accept signalinput from any external sensing device.

Preferably, said individual signal unit is configurable to allow outputsignals to any said communication network.

Preferably, said individual signal unit is adapted for integration intoproducts as an original equipment manufacture (OEM) module.

Preferably, said central control facility includes a database and aserver; said central control facility maintaining an Internet web siteon said server.

Preferably, said system provides a means of asset monitoring; said assetmonitoring alerting a said owner or registered user to an incidentaffecting a said asset.

Preferably, said predefined steps include activation of an output deviceconnected to a said individual signal unit.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method ofderiving revenue from a monitoring system; said monitoring systemincluding a remotely located individual signal unit in communicationwith a central control facility; said method including:

-   -   (a) selling said individual signal units    -   (b) renting said individual signal units    -   (c) charging periodic registration fees    -   (d) charging for network services    -   (e) charging for development, programming and design    -   (f) charging license fees for custom or retrofitted applications    -   (g) collecting industry co-operation commissions    -   (h) charging license fees for monitoring agents and service        providers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1, is a representation of a preferred arrangement of communicationbetween apparatus and users of a monitoring system according to theinvention,

FIG. 2, is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of an individual signalunit (ISU) of the arrangement of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred enclosure for an individualsignal unit according to the invention,

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 3showing principle internal components of one embodiment of an individualsignal unit,

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of an individual signalunit,

FIGS. 6 to 12 are pages of a possible web site for registering anindividual signal unit with a central control facility,

FIGS. 13 to 16 are further pages of the web site of FIGS. 6 to 12, forconfiguring of an individual signal unit,

FIGS. 17 to 19 are further pages of the web site adapted to allow anowner or authorized person to access data collected by an individualsignal unit,

FIG. 20 is a diagram indicating examples of the interconnectivity of anindividual signal unit (ISU) with a variety of communication systems,input devices, the web site of a central control facility and of thatfacility's outputs,

FIGS. 21 to 23 show a variety of applications and functions of an ISUinstalled in a vehicle, including the interfacing of the ISU with theonboard computer of the vehicle,

FIGS. 24 and 25 show two pages of a possible web site for registeringaspects of a vehicle's performance monitoring and servicingarrangements,

FIG. 26 shows the interactions facilitated by means of an in-vehicle ISUfor arranging servicing of the vehicle,

FIG. 27 shows a web page provided by a central control facility forregistration of vehicle service providers who are willing to provideservices to vehicles equipped with an ISU, and

FIG. 28 shows an example of revenue streams which may be derived fromvehicle service providers who register with the central controlfacility.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus and connectionsincluded in a monitoring system 10 according to a preferred embodimentof the invention. A central control facility 12 includes a dataprocessing server 14 and data storage 16, linked to a transceiver 18.Central control facility 12 is in radio communication with acommunication network such as a mobile phone network, or for example asshown in FIG. 1, with at least one communication satellite 20, by meansof transceiver 18.

In the example of a communication satellite 20, it in turn, is intelecommunication contact with a number of individual signal units 22,for example via the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), theGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or a similar communication network21. Individual signal units 22 belong to registered users of the systemand may be located anywhere within the signal footprint of acommunication satellite (or satellites) 20, or of some othercommunication network.

Individual signal units 22 each are assigned a unique identifying code,and may take a number of physical configurations depending on theenvironment in which they are to be located. FIG. 3 shows one preferredform of an individual signal unit, comprising enclosure 50 with variousinput and output devices. In some preferred forms at least, they willcomprise a rugged, moisture and tamper-proof outer casing with internalpower supply and a selection of bracketry and other attachment means foraffixing the devices to a variety of structures and surfaces. In otherpreferred forms the device may be incorporated in an item of equipmentat manufacture, for example in the lantern structure of street lights.

With reference to FIG. 4 which shows an exploded view of one preferredform of an individual signal unit 22, enclosure 50 comprises a baseportion 52 and cover portion 54. Housed within enclosure 50 are acommunication module 56, for example using the General Packet RadioService (GPRS) standard for communication with a communication network,and antenna jack 58. Also contained within enclosure 50 is arechargeable battery module 60, and various input and outputconnections, including power input/outputs 62, sensor inputs 64, devicerelay connections 66 and a universal serial bus (USB port) 68.Individual signal unit 22 may also be provided with status indicatinglight emitting diodes (LEDs) 70. Enclosure 50 is provided with a space,for example space 72 on cover 54, for display of a code used in theregistration of the unit with the central control facility.

Each individual signal unit 22 is adapted to monitor the status of someaspect of an item of infrastructure, such as for example illustrated inFIG. 1, a gate 22, irrigation control sluice 24 or tool shed 26.

As shown in the schematic of FIG. 2, individual signal units 22 includeat least a transceiver module 40, a rechargeable power supply and powercontrol module 42, at least one external event sensor 44 and a logiccircuit 46. For some applications, an individual signal unit may beprovided with, or connected to, a magnetic card reader, enablinginspecting personnel to simply swipe an authorising card as confirmationthat the individual signal unit is in its proper position andfunctioning, or that some predefined task has been accomplished.

Preferably, the power supply 42 is rechargeable by means of a solarpanel 48, but may also comprise batteries rechargeable from a mainspower source, or replaceable battery packs. Where an individual signalunit has been incorporated in some item of infrastructure alreadyprovided with a power supply, such as in the street light example, powerto the unit may be provided from that external supply.

An individual signal unit 22 may be provided with at least one externalevent sensor 44 incorporated within the device itself, but individualsignal units 22 are more preferably provided with a sensor interfaceallowing the unit to accept signals from a number of external eventsensors connected to the interface. Thus for example, an individualsignal unit 22 may monitor a number of aspects of a remotely locatedfacility, such as the doors and windows of a building or various itemsof equipment located on a service vehicle.

With reference to FIG. 5, the ISU may include the following components.

GSM Engine 74.

This is the central core of the device. It includes a GSM transceiverallowing the module to connect to and communicate over the GSM network.The transceiver also makes use of the GPRS capability of the GSM networkto connect to a server of the central control facility using IP sockets.The GSM engine also includes a basic Python script interpreter to runapplication scripts (software) and a battery charger 75 to allowing thecharging of a LiIon battery pack (connected via J5 on the circuitdiagram of FIG. 5).

The application scripts (software) loaded into the GSM engine 74 allowthe module to monitor the external sensors and devices connected to theISU device and generate messages over the GPRS network to the centralcontrol facility server whenever there is a change in the status ofthese external sensors or devices. The typical operation will be for theGSM engine to connect to a known IP socket on a server at a known IPaddress. The message passed to the server via this connection willinclude the identification of the ISU device (typically the 'phonenumber associated with the SIM card) and the details of the input statuschange.

The GSM engine has a push button switch (S1 on the circuit diagram ofFIG. 5) which allows the GSM engine to be turned on and off.

Network Status Indicator (D1 on Circuit Diagram)

An LED (light emitting diode) is provided to give an indication of thestatus of the ISU device. When the LED is permanently off, the device ispowered down. When the LED is blinking quickly (approximately 1 secondperiod), the GSM engine is searching for the GSM network and attemptingto register itself with the network. When the LED is blinking slowly(approximately 3 second period), the GSM engine has registered itselfwith the GSM network and is in a state that will allow it to make aconnection with a server should one of the inputs change state. When theLED is permanently on, there is an active call being made by the device.

Battery Status Indicator (D6 on the Circuit Diagram)

A visible indication of the charge status of the battery is providedusing an LED (light emitting diode).

USB Connection (J3 on the Circuit Diagram)

The ISU device has a USB connection to allow the module to be connectedto a Personal Computer. This connection allows the application scripts(software) to be updated in the GSM Engine. Power is also drawn from thePersonal Computer to recharge the LiIon battery. The power for the USBinterface device (U6 on the circuit diagram) is taken from the USBconnector. This minimises the current drawn from the LiIon battery toextend the operational time between charges. Interface components (U4and U5 on the circuit diagram) isolate the connections between the USBdevice and the GSM engine when either the USB port is disconnected (USBdevice powered down) or the GSM engine has been turned off.

A protection device (U7 on the circuit diagram) has been included on theUSB port to protect the USB device from electrostatic discharge onto thepins of the USB connector.

External Sensor Inputs (IN1-4 Signals on the Circuit Diagram)

The prototype ISU device implements 4 external sensor inputs. Theseconnections are available on a dedicated input connector (J2 on thecircuit diagram) and on the special attachment connector (J4 on thecircuit diagram). These inputs have been configured to allow externalsensors to simply connect these input signals to a 0 Volt return signal(available on both connectors) using a relay contact closure. This isthe typical output from a wide range of sensors.

An interface component (U3 on the circuit diagram) is provided toisolate the input signals from the GSM engine when the GSM engine hasbeen turned off. There are also some protection devices (D2-5 on thecircuit diagram) to protect the inputs of the interface component fromelectrostatic discharge onto the pins of the connectors.

Controlled Outputs (OUT1 and OUT2 Signals on the Circuit Diagram)

The prototype ISU device implements 2 controlled outputs. These outputsallow external devices to be switched by the ISU device. These outputsare implemented using transistors Q1 and Q2. The connections to externaldevices can be made either by the dedicated output connector (J1 on thecircuit diagram) or the special attachment connector (J4 on the circuitdiagram).

-   -   Special Attachment Connector (J4 on the circuit diagram)

A special attachment connector has been provided on the ISU device toallow it to be plugged into purpose built sensors. These sensors will beengineered to accommodate the ISU device and all of the requiredconnections between the two devices are made through the singleattachment connector. This connector supports attachments that areself-powered and are capable of providing current to recharge thebattery in the ISU, as well as attachments that do not have their ownpower supply and require current from the ISU device's battery tooperate.

The apparatus of a monitoring system may include a number of standardsensor devices available for purchase along with, or in addition to theindividual signal unit 22. Each sensor device is adapted to respond to apredefined stimulus, and may include sensors for power status, smokedetection, motion detection, door or window opening, button press, fluidlevel, tampering, location via the GPS system and video camera, forexample. These standard sensor devices are provided as a simple plug-into the individual signal unit 22, via one of the input connection 64 orUSB port shown in FIG. 4, or other standard interface ports provided onthe device.

An individual signal unit 22 may further be provided with internal errormonitoring facilities, such as a power supply failure. Preferably also,individual signal units 22 are equipped with interference sensors toalert the central control facility 12 of tampering by unauthorisedpersons, or disturbance by animals for example.

Individual signal units 22 in at least one preferred embodiment, areprovided with output relays to activate one or more external devicesaccording to pre-programmed responses to sensor monitored events.Examples may include the activation of audio and/or visual alarms, theswitching on of security lighting, closure of fire doors and so forth.

The power supply and control module 42 is adapted to maintain individualsignal unit 22 in a passive, standby state until receiving a signal froman external event sensor. Such a signal initiates a powering up of thedevice, enabling it to transmit its unique encrypted identifying code tothe central control facility. After transmission of this signal theindividual signal unit powers down and returns to its passive standbystate.

An individual signal unit 20 may also be brought into a powered up stateon command from the central control facility 12. This powering up may befor the purpose of re-programming the individual signal unit 22 toinstall a new response procedure, for example after the installation ofa new, or an additional external event sensor, relocation of the unit,or to modify an existing procedure.

Where an individual signal unit 22 is provided with data entry anddisplay facilities, such programming or re-programming of the unit maybe performed at the device itself. At the conclusion of such local datainput, the new or modified data is transmitted to the central controlfacility to update its responses to any signals received from theindividual signal unit as required.

Referring again to FIG. 1, during a powered up state, as well asfollowing any pre-programmed procedure for the activation of any localconnected devices, individual signal unit 22 will transmit a signal viathe network 21 and a satellite 20, reporting the event to the centralcontrol facility 12.

In a first simplest preferred form of the invention, a signal sent by anindividual signal unit 22 consists solely of its unique encryptedidentifying code. No data is sent with this code. The information as towhat a receipt of this code by the central control facility means, isstored in the central processing computers of the facility. Thisinformation, which is supplied by and under the control of theregistered owner of the individual signal unit, may include instructionsas to what actions are to be taken in response to the signal.

Although in this preferred form of the invention, the individual signalunit 22 is only enabled to transmit a single encrypted identifying code,it may do so in various ways to indicate various events. Each externalevent sensor is associated with a unique sequence of repeattransmissions of said unique identification code. For example if anexternal sensor device is activated, the code may be transmitted apredetermined number of times for that particular sensor at shortintervals. However should an error condition develop in the deviceitself, such as for example a low battery situation, the code may betransmitted singly. The manner of transmission of this single encryptedcode is then the determinant of the status of the device and of whataction should be taken by the central control facility.

According to its pre-programmed instructions, an individual signal unit22 may continue to transmit its signal at intervals for a pre-definedperiod as an aid in location of the device by service personnel alertedby the central control facility 12 as described below.

Again with reference to FIG. 1, a received signal is acted upon by thecentral control facility 12, notifying any of a number of nominatedrecipients 30 according to a pre-established protocol negotiated betweenthe registered user of the individual signal unit 22 and the controlfacility. Notification of details of a monitored event could be made inthe form of an email via the Internet 29 as shown in FIG. 1, byfacsimile transmission or over the distributed network 21 to anypersonal communication device.

Typically, one nominated recipient 30 will be the registered user orowner of the individual signal unit from which the alerting signal wasreceived. However nominated recipients may also include serviceproviders, who are automatically notified of the occurrence and thenature of the event, the location of the individual signal unit and anyother pre-defined details. Service providers may include police, fireand ambulance services, or equipment servicing personnel for example. Atregistration of an individual signal unit, the owner of the unit mayelect that third parties be contacted only on receipt by the centralcontrol facility of authorisation from the owner.

An applicant user or owner will be required to supply all relevantdetails of the individual signal unit, its external event sensingfaculties, intended location and the procedures to be implemented onreceipt of a signal from the device. The central control facility thenissues the unique identification code for the individual signal unit.Alternatively, an individual signal unit may be pre-programmed atmanufacture with its unique identifying code. As well, the applicantuser or owner nominates a service provider of the GSM, GPRS or othercommunication system, for billing purposes, or alternatively, thecentral control facility makes this arrangement, with billing for suchservice included in the overall charge for use of the system.

The information thus received is used by the central control facility toprogram the procedure to be followed by the facility in response tosignals received from the individual signal unit. The facility may alsotransmit data to the individual signal unit prior to its commissioningbut subsequent to its installation at the infrastructure item, to setthe parameters of signal transmission, such as frequency and interval ofrepeat transmissions for example.

Second Preferred Embodiment

In a second preferred embodiment, the individual signal unit of thepresent invention again includes at least a transceiver module 40, arechargeable power supply and power control module 42, and at least oneexternal event sensor 44 and a logic circuit 46 as shown in FIG. 1. Inthis embodiment however, the unit may further be provided with a datastorage device able to record analogue or digital input from a deviceconnected to the individual signal unit.

In this embodiment also, the unit is not restricted in its transmissionto the central control facility of it unique identifying code but isenabled to transmit the input analogue or digital data, either in realtime, or retrieved from its data storage device at predetermined timesor on command form the central control facility.

Thus in this form, the individual signalling unit may have attached asan input device such equipment as a video camera, sound recordingequipment or a Global Positioning System (GPS) module for example. Theconnection of a GPS module allows the individual signal unit to reportits location, either continuously, at predetermined intervals or oncommand from the central control facility. Similarly, a video camera maysend images on a continuous basis, at predetermined intervals or ascommanded. Alternatively, data from a camera, GPS module etc may bestored in the data storage device (if so provided) of the individualsignal unit for later interrogation and download to the central controlfacility.

In either of the above described preferred embodiments, an individualsignal unit may be provided with an on/of facility adapted for localactivation. That is a facility whereby a registered user or otherauthorised person can switch the unit between power off and standby formonitoring. This facility may be a Radio Frequency (RF) responder unit,either incorporated in the individual signal unit itself, or as aconnected input device.

Connectivity

The flexibility of the individual signal unit (ISU) in the many ways itcan be interfaced with other devices is illustrated in FIGS. 20A to 20D.In its simplest form as illustrated in FIG. 20A, some sensing device,for example a motion detector 140 is connected to an ISU 142 via astandard input/output (I/O) connector 144 provided on the ISU. In thisinstance the ISU 142 has been configured to send a signal, whenactivated by input from the motion sensor, via a GSM network 146 to thecentral control facility (represented in these figures by its web site148). The web site 148 of the central control facility acts on thereceived signal according to pre-configured instructions received fromthe user of the ISU 142. In this example, an SMS message 150 is sent tothe user's mobile phone 152.

As shown in the sequence illustrated by FIGS. 20B, the web site 148 ofthe central control facility may communicate with the user 154 of theISU 142 over any one or combination of current or future communicationsystems 156.

Likewise, as shown in FIG. 20C, the ISU 142 and central control facilitymay be configured to send and receive a signal from a sensed event viaany form of signal transmission, and as further illustrated in FIG. 20E,messages to a user or registered owner of an ISU 142 may be transmittedto any type of communication device.

These may include SMS messaging, Internet, voice, facsimiletransmissions, use of the GPRS system, telephone, pagers and satellite.Thus the central control facility may communicate the occurrence of anincident to the user's mobile phone, computer, land-line telephone, andfacsimile machine. As well, the control facility may where appropriatecommunicate with another ISU, programmable logic controller (PLC) ortransfer data to a designated database. Thus, by connecting an outputdevice, for example a PLC, actuator, or motor and the like, to an ISU,the predefined steps or actions to be executed could include theinitiation of processes at the remote location at which the ISU issituated.

Also as shown in FIGS. 20D and 20E, the ISU may be configured with anumber of standard input/output connectors 160, including but notlimited to, USB and RF ports, Infra Red, Wi/Fi, Bluetooth and Fire Wirereceivers for example. Sensors 162 communicating with any one or more ofthese connectors may include, motion detectors, switches, telephone,measuring devices, data sources, programmable logic controllers andother attachments.

Depending on its configurations, the ISU 142 may communicate with theweb site 148 of the central control facility by any of a number ofdistributed communication systems 158. These may include, as shown onFIG. 20E, the GSM or other mobile phone networks, satellite basedsystems, the Internet, wireless broadband, the copper telephone networkand voice.

In addition to these communication systems being used to send messagesor other forms of communication to the user or registered owner of theISU, the central control facility may use the same systems forcommunication with other service providers 162 as shown in FIG. 20F.Using tracking systems available via the GSM network, an ISU's signalcan be used to determine its location as indicated schematically in FIG.20G.

FIG. 20H shows still a further example of how the connectivity of theISU with sensing equipment may be utilized. Sensors 162 associated withan advertising board may monitor for temperature, crowd sizes or otherparameters associated with advertising effectiveness. Based on thesemeasurements and in accordance with the ISU user's configuredinstructions, the ISU may provide the most appropriate advertisinginformation, thereby enabling premium charges.

Some further features of the monitoring system according to theinvention include:

-   -   the ISU and server are programmable and can support a wide range        of inputs.    -   The ISU is not restricted to the above described inputs and        outputs. Additional or alternative inputs and outputs can be        readily added to the design.    -   The ISU can support a variety of transport mechanisms including        CDMA, 3G and satellite depending on what distributed        communication system is available.    -   The message sever of the central control facility is based on        scalable architecture allowing it to be duplicated or upgraded        to support increased traffic in the future.    -   The ISU can support a simple LCD or other graphic display unit,        to provide a user with status information.    -   The ISU can be integrated into products as an OEM (Original        Equipment Manufacturer) module. This may be a user upgradeable        or factory fitted option.

The monitoring system of the present invention lends itself tocommercial exploitation in a number of ways. Some of these may besummarized as:

-   -   Licensing of complete systems developed by others as ISU        certified    -   Retail of ISUs for ad hoc users    -   Inviting existing products and services to join user        configurable web-based systems    -   Additional programming and systems service charges    -   Building custom-designed measurement and control applications    -   Asset monitoring, for example        -   Vehicle care        -   Security        -   Innovative equipment hire options        -   Triangulation        -   Wildlife and stock tracking        -   Scheduling        -   Environmental monitoring    -   Asset control, for example        -   Environmental control—local government, national parks,            defense        -   Plant control—factories, farms, local government        -   Access control—remote door opening

Revenue may be derived from a number of activities associated with theISU based monitoring system, for example:

-   -   Unit sales—ISUs and attachments    -   Unit rentals    -   Monthly registration fees—ISU network, optional services    -   Network services charges (e.g. SMS, GPRS etc)    -   Development—programming, design    -   Annul license fees for custom or retrofitted applications    -   Access to ISU network fees for other service providers    -   Industry co-operation commissions (e.g. Insurance rebates    -   License fees from monitoring agents (e.g. Callout providers)

With reference now to FIG. 24, with an ISU fitted to a vehicle andinterfaced with the vehicle's onboard computer, the vehicle becomesanother device for which the registered owner of the ISU can configurevarious actions associated with aspects of the vehicle. One category ofconfiguration as shown in FIG. 24 is a listing of preferred or potentialservicing facilities for the vehicle from which quotation may besolicited for servicing or repair. Performance and satisfaction ratingsmay be assigned to these facilities garnered from data collected bythird party assessors and supplied to the central control facility.

A further configurable option shown in FIG. 25, is for the owner ormanager of the vehicle to receive data of performance parameters of thevehicle.

FIG. 26 shows a possible result of a vehicle management configurationusing the ISU in a vehicle to arrange for servicing of the vehicle at apredefined service interval. The ISU, monitoring the vehicle's onboardcomputer, signals the central control facility that the vehicle hasreached the given odometer reading. This activates the central controlfacility to obtain quotations for service and possible dates at whichthe service may be accommodated from the three service nominated by thevehicle's owner at registration.

To provide the above service to purchasers of an ISU for an in-vehicleapplication, the central control facility may establish a database ofservice providers willing to offer services and provide quotations toregistered users of the ISU monitoring system. FIG. 27 shows a web basedpage service providers may use to register, including the provision ofdetails of any specialised services they may wish to nominate.

This aspect of the application of the monitoring system of the inventionprovides for a further revenue stream for the central control facility.An example of a pricing structure for vehicle service providers who wishto promote their services to owners of vehicle based ISUs is shown inFIG. 28.

Componentry

As set out in more detail above, the principle components of the ISUare:

-   -   Network module        -   Processor        -   memory    -   Connectors    -   Power source

Within these broad component modules, the ISU may be configured invarious models with varying attributes:

-   -   Network—interchangeable    -   Connectors—versatility and adaptability focused    -   Capacity—storage, transmission quantity of data    -   Durability—weather proofing, water proofing, shock proofing    -   Power—mains, battery, solar. Achieving long standby periods of 5        years    -   Compact size

As an example of one possible configuration, an ISU could comprise, aGPRS Module GM862; I/O Connector (J4) 2214R-16SG-85; Light Pipe C435815;LED (alarm and network) 0805KRCT; Switch (On/Off) ELTSA-63; USBConnector 5075BMR05SM; 4 Pin Edge Connectors S4B-PH-K-S (output); 8 PinEdge Connectors S8B-PH-K-S (input); Battery Sanyo UF55344F; Arial Coax22-SMA-50-0-53.

Attachments

The ISU may be adapted to accept input from virtually any signalproducing device. Some currently known examples include: motiondetectors, Bluetooth accessories, alarms, detectors and responders.

Other attachable devices include programmable logic controllers, (whichmay for example be programmed to act on vending machines, dispensers androbots), message boards, remote monitoring devices, RF networks andremote control units.

In Use

Individual signal units 22 are added to the monitoring system 10 byregistration with the central control facility 12. Such registration maybe accomplished by an applicant user or owner over an Internet web sitemaintained by the central control facility. Data monitored by anindividual signal unit can only be accessed by the registered owner orby third parties authorised by the owner, through use of a user name andpassword established when a unit is first registered.

The Public User

A new private user of the system may purchase an individual signal unit22 at any authorised outlet, such as for example a mobile phoneretailer. As well he or she may select from a range of standard sensorunits compatible with the individual signal unit also available at theauthorised outlet or obtainable from an accredited supplier. Preferably,the individual signal unit is adapted to accept as input up to fourindividual sensor devices via input connector 64. Thus for example, anindividual signal unit may have connected a motion sensor, a videocamera, a microphone as well as a smoke alarm (not shown).

Preferably also, the individual signal unit 22 is provided with at leasttwo output relays via output connectors 66, to which may be connectedexternal devices such as security lights or audio alarm for example.

To make use of the equipment, a new owner must register with the centralcontrol facility, preferably over an internet web site maintained by thefacility, or by telephone. With reference to FIGS. 6 to 12, the processof registration over the facility web site includes the following steps;

-   1. After logging onto the web site and selecting the option of    registering 100 as shown in FIG. 6, the owner enters personal    details 102 and selects a user name 104 and password 106 for future    interaction with the facility, as shown in FIG. 7.-   2. At this point also the owner is required to establish an account    with the facility for billing purposes.-   3. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the owner is invited to enter the    identification code number 110 of the purchased individual signal    unit. This may be provided on the packaging in which the device was    purchased or, preferably printed on a removable sticker attached to    the device itself, (for example in the space 72 on cover portion 54    as shown in FIG. 4).-   4. If the device is provided with a display module, a Confirmation    Code is displayed when power is provided to the unit, that is when    it is first switched on. This number 112 is then also entered as    shown in FIG. 9.-   5. For ease of identification, the owner may nominate a brief    description 114, typically associated with the function or location    of the signalling unit and its connected sensor/s, as shown in    FIG. 10. For a fixed device, that is one that is not expected to, or    which should not move from its installed location, the geographic    location may be specified at registration, by means of recording the    coordinates from a GPS unit.-   6. The owner is then invited to nominate which sensor unit or units    are to be connected to the individual signal unit, either by    clicking on an icon 116 as shown in FIG. 11, or from a drop-down    menu 120 as shown in FIG. 12.-   7. When registration formalities have been completed, the owner is    given the opportunity to configure the individual signal unit; that    is to establish the protocols to be followed by the central control    facility in response to a signal transmitted by the device.-   8. As shown in FIG. 13, monitoring of the unit may be within    specified times 122 or be continuous. Clearly, where for example a    device is installed in commercial premises, monitoring for security    purposes may only be desired outside working hours.-   9. The inputs of the web site page shown in FIG. 14 allow the owner    to specify some parameters as to the conditions 124 which must    obtain for an alert situation to be reported.-   10. As shown in FIG. 15, the owner may then nominate a message 126    which is to be sent to the owner in the case an alert situation    arises.-   11. The input web site page of FIG. 16 allows the owner to nominate    one or more ways 128 in which an alert message is to be sent by the    facility. It also allows the owner to nominate a service supplier,    for example a security agency which may be instructed to inspect the    site of installation of the individual signal unit. In addition,    commands can be specified to activate any external device/s which    may be connected to the individual signal unit outputs, such as the    switching on of a security light.

This sequence of steps completes the registration and configuration ofthe individual signal unit, the attached sensor and any output device/sand the response steps to be taken by the central control facility if asignal from the registered individual signal unit is received.

In addition to registration and configuration, the central controlfacility web site may be accessed at any time by the owner (or otherauthorised person) of a registered individual signal unit, by enteringsecurity user name and password, for example. Several options 130 arethen presented to the owner of the individual signal unit as shown inFIG. 17.

One of the available options is the facility of locating an individualsignal unit. When this option is selected, but the individual signalunit is not fitted with a GPS module, the central control facility cancommand the individual signal unit to transmit its unique identifyingcode for a sufficient length of time to enable triangulation of itslocation from three or more stations of the distributed communicationnetwork. This location is then superposed on a map 132 and the map andmarked detected location relayed to the owner of the individual signalunit as shown in FIG. 18.

Another option available to a registered owner is the ability toreconfigure the registered individual signal unit. This may be desirableif the device is to be moved to another location, used for a differentapplication, or sensors added or removed from the device for example.

A third option available to the registered owner, is that of checkingthe current status of the device and its event history. As shown in FIG.19, this information may be displayed to the owner in tabular form. Inthe example shown, this owner has four devices 134 registered with thecentral control facility, and can see at a glance the current status aswell as a record of detected incidents reported by each sensing device.

For example “Toolbox 1”, may be a toolbox fitted with an individualsignal unit, located on an item of earth moving plant left unattended ata work site. The tabulated history shows it has been interfered with atthe time and on the date shown 136. Depending on the pre-programmedprocedure associated with the individual signal unit, the owner orpersonnel responsible for the equipment may be alerted within minutes.Alerting messages may be transmitted via any preferred or multiplemedia, for example by telephone, mobile phone text messages, facsimileor by email.

“Grandma” may be an individual signal unit incorporated in a personalsecurity module in which the sensor is a push button, providing anelderly (or incapacitated) person with a means of alerting someone to adistress situation.

The Commercial User

The individual signal unit of the present invention may be incorporatedat manufacture (or be retro-fitted) to an item of infrastructure orinstrumentation. Individual signal units so incorporated are registeredwith the central control facility in a similar way to that described forthe public user above. In the example given earlier of streetlightfittings, streetlights under the control of a local authority arefitted, preferably at manufacture, with a sensor and individual signalunit. The individual signal unit for each streetlight is assigned aunique encrypted code which is associated with data maintained in thecentral control facility's computers. This data may include the type ofbulb fitted and the location of the particular streetlight. The data mayfurther include an instruction set as to what action to take when anencrypted code signal is received by the control facility. This couldinclude a message to the maintenance department and even a requisitionon a supplier of the required bulb so that a check of bulb stock andpossible resupply will automatically follow.

Similarly, smoke alarms may incorporate an individual signal unit, withthe smoke detector circuit providing an input to the signalling unitwhen smoke is detected. In this example power for the signalling unitmay be provided in common with the smoke detector power supply.

In another example, individual signal units may be incorporated inparking meters, with sensing for example of coin full, out of paper ortampering conditions.

In a further example, as alluded to above, individual signal unitsprovided with magnetic card readers as input attachments may beincorporated or attached at a number of locations within or on theoutside of various buildings. Security personnel or cleaners may thenswipe an appropriate card through the reader to trigger a signal to thecentral control facility, which then forwards notification to anappropriate nominated recipient that the building is secure or has beencleaned.

An individual signal unit may be installed in plant and commercialvehicles, monitoring for example power up and power down of an engine soas to track duty cycles, servicing intervals and improper use forexample. In this example, the owner of the plant or vehicle can accessthe central control facility and obtain a record of the times the plantwas in operation and log the hours of service.

In yet a further example, individual signal units with appropriatesensors may be located along rivers and streams to give early warning ofchanges in water levels.

Other areas of use include the monitoring of vending machines as tostatus of stock and tampering for example. Items of utilityinfrastructure, such as water and gas supply equipment also may beconveniently monitored for usage and error conditions.

In at least one embodiment of the invention, the action taken by thecontrol facility may be predicated on a secondary layer of instructionsreceived from the owner of the individual signal unit and the sensor orsensors attached to it. For example, the registration of the unit mayinclude a number of optional actions for the control facility toimplement after a first notification to the owner (or an authorizedrecipient designated by the registered owner) of an event.

For example, where the individual signal unit is monitoring the securityof a site office or container at a building site, the possible actionsto be taken by the central control facility may include:

-   -   1. to ignore    -   2. to call a contracted security firm    -   3. to call the site foreman    -   4. to call a neighbour    -   5. to call the police

The primary instructions on record at the control facility to befollowed on receipt of a signal from the individual signal unitinstalled at the building site, is to send an SMS message to the owneror authorized recipient. He or she may respond for example with “34”.The control facility will then carry out actions 3 and 4 of the possibleactions of the secondary layer of instructions by notifying the siteforeman (3) and the neighbour (4) of the event.

In a further example of use, as summarised in FIGS. 21 to 23, the ISUmay be interfaced with the management computer of a private orcommercial vehicle. This allows the management of many aspects of thevehicle, its running costs, performance as will as the scheduling ofservicing and even the acquisition of service availability andquotations for service.

This application of the ISU is of particular use for operators of hirecars for example with an ISU as described above to provide any of thedata transferable from a car's onboard computer. These may include thestatus of the vehicle's door locks at any given time, for example toindicate if it has been left unlocked while not in use.

In the case of loss of keys of any vehicle, the ISU could be instructedto lock and keep locked the doors of the vehicle until this command wasreversed.

An in-vehicle ISU could be used to augment the entertainment system ofthe vehicle by accessing the internet via wireless broadband fordownloading music and videos, accessing a remote computer and using theinternet for surfing.

Still with reference to FIG. 22, the addition of suitable devices to theISU could allow the remote immobilisation of a stolen vehicle, andactivate various alarm and indicators that a the vehicle is beinginterfered with.

Information extracted from the vehicle's onboard computer, if relayed toa designated repair centre when the vehicle suffers malfunction at someremote location, could be used by the repair centre to issueinstructions for repairs.

FIG. 23 provides an overview of potential uses of an ISU installed in avehicle and the actions which may follow on from the monitoring of thestatus, or measurement of various parameters associated with thevehicle's use and its equipment.

It will be appreciated that the individual signal unit and monitoringsystem described above provides an extremely flexible and effective wayof disseminating an alert of an alarm generated by any of a range ofevents at widely dispersed locations to owners of the device and/orthose service providers best able to deal effectively with the cause ofthe alarm, and allows a unit owner to specify the circumstances underwhich the owner is to be contacted actions taken.

The system provides:

-   -   Global machine to machine communication    -   Distance independence    -   Location independence    -   Mobility independence    -   5 minute DIY installation    -   An extraordinary number of marketable products.

The individual signal unit (ISU) system of the present inventionprovides a missing link people products and services.

-   -   With unlimited scope and versatility the ISU platform can        receive information via any network and initiate a        user-configured chain of events, anywhere in the world to any        one.    -   It is capable of bringing world-wide products and services to a        centralised system for multiple uses and applications.    -   The small compact ISU (similar in size and appearance of a small        MP3 player may be adapted to access advanced programming and        resources with little or no setup.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention andmodifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made theretowithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An individual signal unit purchased by anapplicant user of a monitoring system; each said individual signal unitincluding; (a) a transceiver module, (b) a power supply and powercontrol module, (c) a logic circuit, (d) at least one event sensorselected by said applicant user from a plurality of standard eventsensors, and wherein an applicant user of said system purchases a saidindividual signal unit and one or more of said event sensors or outputdevices selected from a plurality of standard or third party said eventsensors or output devices, said individual signal and said event sensorsor output devices registered with said central control facility; saidregistration and structuring by said applicant user of said protocolseffected by means of data entry into a web-based interface maintained bysaid central control facility; events sensed by any one of said eventsensors being available for communication to any one of said registeredusers as effected by data entry into said web based interface by thesaid applicant user, and wherein a signal from a said individual signalunit to a central control facility causes said central control facilityto execute a number of predefined steps; said predefined steps priorconfigured by said applicant user by means of a web-based interface. 2.Apparatus for a monitoring system; said apparatus comprising anindividual signal unit and at least one owner selectable event sensorconnected to said individual signal unit; and wherein an applicant userof said system selects a said individual signal unit and one or more ofsaid event sensors or output devices selected from a plurality ofstandard or third party said event sensors or output devices, saidindividual signal and said event sensors or output devices registeredwith said central control facility; said registration and structuring bysaid applicant user of said protocols effected by means of data entryinto a web-based interface maintained by said central control facility;events sensed by any one of said event sensors being available forcommunication to any one of said registered users as effected by dataentry into said web based interface by the said applicant user; saidindividual signal unit and said at least one event sensor registered bysaid user with a central control facility; wherein said individualsignal unit is programmed to transmit a unique individual signal unitidentification code to said central control facility when said at leastone event sensor detects an incident; said central control facilityresponding to a transmitted said unique individual signal unitidentification code according to protocols established at registrationof said individual signal unit and said at least one event sensor bysaid owner; said protocols established through interaction with pages ofa web site maintained by said central control facility.
 3. A monitoringsystem enabled by the internet and a communication system; said systemincluding a number of individual signal units; each of said individualsignal units connected to at least one event sensor selected by an ownerof said individual signal unit from a plurality of standard eventsensors; and wherein an applicant user of said system purchases a saidindividual signal unit and one or more of said event sensors or outputdevices selected from a plurality of standard or third party said eventsensors or output devices, said individual signal and said event sensorsor output devices registered with said central control facility; saidregistration and structuring by said applicant user of said protocolseffected by means of data entry into a web-based interface maintained bysaid central control facility; events sensed by any one of said eventsensors being available for communication to any one of said registeredusers as effected by data entry into said web based interface by thesaid applicant user; said central control facility responding to anincident sensed by a said event sensor according to protocolsestablished at registration by a said owner through interaction withpages of a web site maintained by said central control facility.
 4. Amethod of monitoring the status of an item of interest; said methodincluding the steps of: (a) acquisition by a user of an individualsignal unit and at least one event sensor selected from a plurality ofstandard event sensors for connection to said individual signal unit,(b) registering said individual signal unit and said at least one eventsensor with a central control facility, (c) configuring a responseexecutable by said central control facility on receipt by said facilityof a signal transmitted by said individual signal unit, wherein saidresponse includes a number of prior defined steps nominated by a saiduser when registering a said individual signal unit and said at leastone event sensor with said central control facility; said registrationand configuring of said response effected by interaction with pages of aweb site maintained by said central control facility; and wherein saiduser of said system acquires a said individual signal unit and one ormore of said event sensors or output devices selected from a pluralityof standard or third party said event sensors or output devices, saidindividual signal and said event sensors or output devices registeredwith said central control facility; said registration and structuring bysaid user of said protocols effected by means of data entry into aweb-based interface maintained by said central control facility; eventssensed by any one of said event sensors being available forcommunication to any one of said registered users as effected by dataentry into said web based interface by the said user.
 5. The method ofclaim 4 wherein said signal includes a unique identifying code of saidindividual signal unit.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein saidregistering of a said individual signal unit includes the steps of: (a)accessing a web site maintained by said central control facility, (b)establishing a user name and password with said central controlfacility, (c) entering into said web site a registration code of saidindividual signal unit, (d) entering a user selected identifier name forsaid individual signal unit, (e) entering details of one or more eventsensors to be connected to said individual signal unit, (f) enteringdetails of said response executable by said central control facility. 7.A method for monitoring the status of at least one aspect ofgeographically disparate items of infrastructure; said method includingthe steps of: (a) installing an individual signal unit at each of saiditems of infrastructure, (b) providing said individual signal unit withat least one event sensor and a signal transceiver, (c) linking saidindividual signal unit with a central control facility via acommunication network, (d) providing said central control facility withserver and data storage devices; said devices adapted to executepre-programmed responses to a signal received from a said individualsignalling device, and wherein an applicant user of said systempurchases a said individual signal unit and one or more of said eventsensors or output devices selected from a plurality of standard or thirdparty said event sensors or output devices; said individual signal andsaid event sensors or output devices registered with said centralcontrol facility; said registration and structuring by said applicantuser of said protocols effected by means of data entry into a web-basedinterface maintained by said central control facility; events sensed byany one of said event sensors being available for communication to anyone of said registered users as effected by data entry into said webbased interface by the said applicant user.
 8. Apparatus of aninfrastructure monitoring system; said apparatus including a pluralityof geographically disparate individual signalling units purchased byapplicant users of said system; and wherein an applicant user of saidsystem purchases a said individual signal unit and one or more of saidevent sensors or output devices selected from a plurality of standard orthird party said event sensors or output devices, said individual signaland said event sensors or output devices registered with said centralcontrol facility; said registration and structuring by said applicantuser of said protocols effected by means of data entry into a web-basedinterface maintained by said central control facility; events sensed byany one of said event sensors being available for communication to anyone of said registered users as effected by data entry into said webbased interface by the said applicant user; said individual signallingunits in communication with a central control facility via at least onecommunication satellite; said individual signalling units adapted tochange from a first stand-by state to a second powered up state on theoccurrence of a change of status of an item of said infrastructure; eachof said individual signal units transmitting a signal to said centralcontrol facility during said powered up state; said signal triggering aprogrammed predefined sequence of responses as defined by a saidapplicant user through interaction with web pages maintained by saidcentral control facility; each said individual signal unit returning tosaid stand-by state after transmission of a said signal.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein each of said individual signalling units isprovided with a unique signalling unit identification code; said uniqueidentification code comprising said signal transmitted to said centralcontrol facility.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein each of saidindividual signalling units is provided with a signal transceivermodule.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein each of said individualsignalling units is provided with a rechargeable power supply.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein said rechargeable power supply isrechargeable by a solar cell array.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8 whereineach of said individual signalling units is provided with at least oneevent sensor.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said at least oneevent sensor is adapted to respond to a change in status of a said itemof infrastructure.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein a saidindividual signalling unit receives an input signal from said at leastone event sensor at said change of status.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13wherein each said at least one event sensor is associated with a uniquesequence of repeat transmissions of said unique identification code;said unique sequence of repeat transmissions comprising said signaltransmitted to said central control facility.
 17. The apparatus of claim8 wherein said central control facility includes a transceiver module incommunication with said at least one satellite.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein said transceiver module is linked to server and datastorage devices; said server and data storage devices adapted to processsignals received from any one of said individual signalling units. 19.The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said server and data storage devicesare adapted to initiate coded data for transmission to said individualsignalling units.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said coded datatransmitted to a said individual signalling unit includes instructionsfor programmed responses by a said individual signalling unit to inputsreceived from said one or more event sensors.